Adoption in Thailand

Thailand Family Law (TFL) has over 30 years of experience managing adoption in Thailand. One of the most important distinctions to take note of when discussing adoption in Thailand is where the prospective parent or parents are from and where they are habitually resident. That is, if the new parents are living in Thailand the process will be different than if the adoption is to take place so that the child can move to a foreign country. Another difference involves whether or not the new parent is a Thai citizen or not. Thailand Family Law (TFL) can help guide you through the process of adopting a child in Thailand. Please read below for further details about the adoption process in Thailand.

2 Main Types of Adoption in Thailand

The first thing to consider is whether or not you are a resident in Thailand. If you are a Thai citizen, this is fairly easy to prove. If you are a foreigner, then we will need to establish your residency in Thailand if you would like to do the adoption process in Thailand in this way. Adoption in Thailand is easier for those who are residents of Thailand.

However, if you are not a resident of Thailand but would still like to adopt in Thailand, this is also possible. If this is the type of adoption in Thailand you are interested in, then we will also need to coordinate with the relevant authority in your home country.

Qualifications Needed in Order to Adopt in Thailand

Whilst each case is unique, there are some general qualifications needed in order to be eligible to adopt in Thailand. These are follows:

  • The prospective parents must be legally married if they are adopting as a couple.
  • The prospective parents must not be younger than 25 years old.
  • The prospective parents must be substantially older than the child they plan to adopt. For example, a 25-year old parent would likely not be allowed to adopt a child who is 16 years old. However, the law does not give a specific number of years difference that the parent and child need to be.
  • The prospective parents must be legally eligible to adopt in their home country as well. If this is in Thailand, it is simple. However if it is not in Thailand then we will need to review your status in your home country as well.

Based on the above, please contact Thailand Family Law (TFL) if you think you might qualify.

The Department of Social Development and Welfare (DSDW) of Thailand

All of our work on adoption in Thailand must be done through the process of the adoption department of the Department of Social Development and Welfare (DSDW) of Thailand. TFL is in regular contact with the DSDW of Thailand on our ongoing cases and can liaise on your behalf through power of attorney. It is important to engage a family law firm that has experience and contacts at the DSDW, which we have and actively maintain.

Why Should You Adopt in Thailand?

There are many reasons to adopt in Thailand. You can provide a better home environment for a child without a solid family structure in place. You can provide a better education for a child. You can provide better nutrition and health care for the child. There are countless reasons why adopting in Thailand is a good idea. However, you must make sure that the process is done in a legal and transparent way.

Please contact TFL if you have any questions about adoption in Thailand.